Ja’Marr Chase is known for dominating cornerbacks, but on Sunday, the star wide receiver turned his frustration toward an official in a meltdown that contributed to the Bengals’ heartbreaking 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chase received a 15-yard penalty for what referee Alex Kemp described as “abusive language” directed at a game official.
The penalty came at a crucial moment in the game, ultimately forcing the Bengals to settle for a field goal rather than continue their drive.
The points missed loomed large as Cincinnati suffered their third consecutive one-possession loss to Kansas City.
As for the penalty on Chase, Kemp made it clear that he crossed the line and deserved to be flagged.
“It’s pretty clear cut. It’s just simply abusive language toward a game official,” Kemp said in a pool report. “That’s all it was. And there was really no interpretation. I’m not going to repeat to you what he said, but there was no interpretation with the language that he used – just abusive language.”
Kemp further clarified the incident, noting the difference between general frustration and crossing the line with direct verbal abuse.
“The simple answer is, profanity used by grown men versus direct, personal abusive language towards a game official. That’s the line. When that line gets crossed, we simply can’t let that happen in pro football,” Kemp stated.
Chase, who was held to just four catches for 35 yards during the game, declined to comment on the specifics of the penalty.
According to unconfirmed reports, Kemp tried to warn Chase to back off by telling him to “get the f*ck out of my face.” … However, Chase kept after him and apparently said a magic word or two.
The outburst followed Chase’s frustration with what he believed was a missed penalty on a key play.
Early in the fourth quarter, with the Bengals trailing by one point and facing a 2nd-and-11, Chase was tackled after a four-yard reception.
He signaled to officials, claiming that Kansas City cornerback Trent McDuffie had executed an illegal hip-drop tackle, a move banned by the NFL earlier this offseason.
Chase also appeared to believe that McDuffie had grabbed his facemask, but neither play drew a flag.
As Chase motioned for a penalty and continued his complaints to the official while following him to midfield, he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, turning a third-and-7 into a third-and-22.
Quarterback Joe Burrow had to intervene, pulling Chase away to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The Bengals managed to salvage the drive with a field goal, giving them a brief 25-23 lead.
However, another costly penalty – this time a defensive pass interference call on a 4th-and-16 – allowed the Chiefs to regain control, ultimately leading a game winning 51-yard field goal by Harison Butker as time expired.
After the game, Chase expressed his disappointment with the outcome. “It doesn’t feel great losing,” he said. “One play changed it all, for real. Ya’ll seen the flag on defense, so, one play.”
The game was a continuation of a frustrating start for both Chase and the Bengals. After two games, Chase has just 10 receptions for 97 yards and has yet to score a touchdown.
Despite the slow start and ongoing contract headaches, Chase remains optimistic about the Bengals’ chances, particularly regarding a potential rematch with Kansas City later in the season.
“I’m pretty sure we will (see them again),” Chase said, hinting at a possible playoff showdown with the defending champions.
What are your thoughts on Chase drawing the critical flag at that juncture in the game?
Do you think Kemp did the right thing by protecting the sacred line that can’t be crossed? … Or should he have turned a blind eye and just let it slide???
Despite the crushing loss, do you view the Bengals as the biggest threat to Kansas City in the AFC???